Knowledge Base

Problem

A user who purchased a Basler GigE camera and the accompanying Basler PCIe network card wants to know whether the card can be used with a laptop via an external PCIe interface (e.g., Thunderbolt enclosure), or whether a desktop tower is required.

Details

The Basler GigE camera system sold with EthoVision relies on a dedicated PCIe PoE network adapter for both data transfer and camera power. Laptops do not have internal PCIe slots for this card. Some users attempt to use external PCIe enclosures (Thunderbolt-to-PCIe adapters). This applies to EthoVision XT configurations using Basler GigE cameras.

Solution

1. Noldus does not officially support or recommend using an external PCIe card interface (e.g., Thunderbolt enclosure) for the Basler PoE network adapter. While it may be attempted, Noldus support will be limited in diagnosing issues if it does not work.
2. If you must use a laptop, check whether the laptop has a built-in Gigabit Ethernet port that is not currently in use. If so, you can use a PoE injector between the Ethernet port and the camera to provide power to the camera separately, while data flows through the laptop's native network adapter.
3. Configure the laptop's built-in network adapter with a static IP address on the same subnet as the camera, following the GigE camera setup instructions.
4. Install Pylon and the EthoVision GigE DirectShow driver on the laptop and verify the camera is detected in Pylon Viewer before opening EthoVision.
5. For a more reliable and fully supported setup, a desktop tower with an available PCIe slot for the Basler network card is strongly recommended.
6. Contact Noldus sales or support if you need to purchase a compatible PoE injector or discuss alternative camera options for laptop-based setups.